Zouk
Zouk is an Indian direct-to-consumer (D2C) lifestyle brand specialising in handcrafted, 100% vegan bags, wallets, footwear, luggage, and accessories. Founded in 2016 by Disha Singh and Pradeep Krishnakumar, the company is headquartered in Thane, Maharashtra. Zouk integrates traditional Indian craftsmanship with modern design, using fabrics like ikat, jute, and khadi. The brand is PETA-approved for its cruelty-free products and collaborates with over 1,000 artisans across India. Zouk operates through its e-commerce platform and offline stores, with plans to expand to 75 retail outlets by 2026. The company has served over 700,000 customers and is backed by investors like Stellaris Venture Partners and Aavishkaar Capital.[1][2]
 | |
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Fashion, Retail, Direct-to-consumer |
| Founded | 2016 |
| Founder | Disha Singh Pradeep Krishnakumar |
| Headquarters | Thane, Maharashtra, India |
Area served | India |
Key people | Disha Singh (CEO) Pradeep Krishnakumar (COO) |
| Products | Handbags, Wallets, Footwear, Luggage, Accessories |
| Revenue | ₹5 crore (2020) |
Number of employees | 150+ (2025) |
| Website | zouk |
Founders & Leadership
- Disha Singh (CEO): An alumnus of the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA, MBA 2015) and Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IITB, B.Tech), Singh founded Zouk inspired by a trip to Kutch, Gujarat, where she identified a gap for modern, functional Indian handcrafted products. She has been recognised for promoting women entrepreneurship and spoke at IIM Bangalore’s NSRCEL women startup program in 2024.[3]
- Pradeep Krishnakumar (COO): Krishnakumar, Singh’s husband, holds an MBA from IIMA and has experience in operations and supply chain management. He oversees Zouk’s manufacturing, logistics, and expansion strategies, including the brand’s offline retail growth.[4]
Origin & Founding Story
Zouk was founded in 2016 by Disha Singh and Pradeep Krishnakumar after Singh’s visit to Kutch, Gujarat, during her MBA at IIMA in 2015. Observing that traditional handcrafted products lacked modern functionality, Singh identified an opportunity to blend Indian craftsmanship with contemporary design. Starting with an investment of ₹20 lakh, the couple produced 20 laptop bags using ikat fabric and vegan leather, which sold out at a Mumbai flea market. Zouk adopted a 100% vegan approach within weeks, driven by ethical concerns over animal-derived materials. The brand name “Zouk” reflects the vibrant dance form and the concept of a “souk” (bazaar), symbolising energy and cultural richness.[5][6]
Timeline
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 2016 | Zouk founded by Disha Singh and Pradeep Krishnakumar with ₹20 lakh investment.[1] |
| 2017 | Launched e-commerce platform and expanded product line to wallets and accessories.[2] |
| 2020 | Achieved ₹5 crore revenue; became profitable.[1] |
| 2021 | Secured Series A funding from Stellaris Venture Partners and Titan Capital.[7] |
| 2022 | Expanded into footwear and opened first offline store in Mumbai.[6] |
| 2023 | Collaborated with 1,000+ artisans; served 400,000 customers nationwide.[2] |
| 2024 | Raised $10 million in Series B funding; partnered with Sara Ali Khan as brand ambassador.[8] |
| 2025 | Opened store at Lulu Mall, Bengaluru; plans to reach 75 stores by 2026.[3] |
Funding
| Date | Round | Amount | Investors |
|---|---|---|---|
| March 2021 | Series A | $1.5 million | Stellaris Venture Partners, Titan Capital, Founders of Mamaearth, Beardo, Wow Skin Science[7] |
| October 2024 | Series B | $10 million | Aavishkaar Capital, Stellaris Venture Partners[9] |
Business Model
Zouk operates a direct-to-consumer model, selling through its website, e-commerce platforms like Amazon India and Myntra, and offline stores. The brand targets fashion-conscious, eco-aware consumers, primarily women aged 18–45, offering affordable, sustainable accessories. Revenue is generated through product sales, with an average order value of ₹2,000–3,000. Zouk sources handcrafted fabrics from villages in Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu, and manufactures in a facility in Mumbai’s Dharavi, ensuring fair wages for artisans. The company’s omnichannel strategy includes pop-up events and partnerships with influencers and celebrities like Sara Ali Khan and Kriti Sanon.[10][11]
Products / Services
- Handbags: Sling bags, totes, satchels, office bags, and shoulder bags made with vegan leather and Indian fabrics like ikat, jute, khadi).[12]
- Wallets: Compact wallets, cardholders, and chain wallets with handcrafted designs.[13]
- Footwear: Sandals and flats featuring Indian motifs.[2]
- Luggage: Backpacks, trolley bags, and travel pouches with water-resistant materials.[10]
- Accessories: Laptop sleeves, eyewear cases, and travel pouches.[11]
All products are 100%, vegan, PETA-approved, and water-resistant, designed for functionality and style.[14]
Growth & Metrics
- Customer Base: Over 700,000 customers by 2024.[2]
- Revenue: ₹5 crore in 2020; reported 16x growth by 2023.[1][6]
- Reach: Operates across India via e-commerce; offline stores in Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru, targeting 75 stores by 2026.[3]
- Team Size: Over 150 employees, collaborating with 1,100 artisans.[2]
Legal Entity Information
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Legal Name | Sea Turtle Private Limited |
| Foundation Date | 14 December 2016 |
| Registrar of Companies (ROC) | ROC Mumbai |
| Corporate Identification Number (CIN) | U74999MH2016PTC282391 |
| Registered Address | A-406, Plot No. 3, Keshav Kunj II CHS Ltd. Sector 15, Palm Beach Road, Sanpada , Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, India - 400705 |
| Email ID | p13dishas@iima.ac.in |
| Company Status | Active |
| Directors | Disha Singh, Pradeep Krishnakumar |
| Authorized Share Capital | ₹ 5,00,000.00 |
| Paid-up Capital | ₹ 1,46,900.00 |
Media & Public Recognition
- Awards: PETA India’s Vegan Fashion Award (2020) for cruelty-free products.[1]
- Coverage: Featured in Forbes India (2023), Hindustan Times (2025), and HerZindagi (2025) for sustainability and design innovation.[6][10][4]
- Events: Hosted Zouk Fashion Show (2024, 2025) with celebrities like Sayantani Ghosh and Sara Ali Khan.[3]
- Recognition: Disha Singh recognised at IIM Bangalore’s NSRCEL women startup program (2024) for women entrepreneurship.[3]
FAQs
- What is Zouk’s product range?
- Zouk offers 100% vegan, handcrafted bags, wallets, footwear, luggage, and accessories using Indian fabrics like ikat, jute, and khadi.[11]
- Is Zouk a vegan brand?
- Yes, Zouk is PETA-approved, using vegan leather and cruelty-free materials.[14]
- Where can Zouk products be purchased?
- Zouk products are available on its website, Amazon India, Myntra, Nykaa, and offline stores in Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru.[12]
- Who is Zouk’s brand ambassador?
- Actress Sara Ali Khan has been Zouk’s brand ambassador since 2024.[8]
External Links
Related Startups
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 Sharma, Shruti (15 July 2020). "This woman entrepreneur's vegan and handicrafts-focused accessories brand has raked in Rs 5 Cr revenue". YourStory. Retrieved 19 June 2025.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 "Zouk Wiki". StartupWiki. 8 May 2025. Retrieved 19 June 2025.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 "Zouk". LinkedIn. 22 November 2024. Retrieved 19 June 2025.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Sharma, Neha (21 May 2025). "Meet Zouk: Here's Why Women Love Their Vegan Bags". HerZindagi. Retrieved 19 June 2025.
- ↑ "About Zouk: Our Mission, Vision, Story & Presence". zouk.co.in. Retrieved 19 June 2025.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 Sharma, Samidha (5 July 2023). "How Zouk Is Bridging The Gap Between Indian Handicrafts And Modern Design". Forbes India. Retrieved 19 June 2025.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 "D2C Lifestyle Brand Zouk Bags Funding From Stellaris Venture For Offline Foray". Inc42. 16 March 2023. Retrieved 19 June 2025.
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 "Zouk Bags $10 Mn in Latest Funding to Strengthen Brand and Expand Presence". Indian Retailer. 24 October 2024. Retrieved 19 June 2025.
- ↑ "Handbag maker Zouk raises $10M in Series B round led by Aavishkaar". YourStory. 23 October 2024. Retrieved 19 June 2025.
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 "Zouk: Meet modern vegan designs, rooted in Indian artistry". Hindustan Times. 19 March 2025. Retrieved 19 June 2025.
- ↑ 11.0 11.1 11.2 "Zouk Bestsellers: Our popular Bags, Wallets collection". zouk.co.in. Retrieved 19 June 2025.
- ↑ 12.0 12.1 "Bags: Shop Bags for Girls, Bags & Men Online at Best Prices". zouk.co.in. Retrieved 19 June 2025.
- ↑ "Wallets: Buy Best Wallets Online at Great Prices". zouk. Retrieved 19 June 2025.
- ↑ 14.0 14.1 "Top Vegan Leather Bags, Handbags, Slings, Backpacks". zouk.co.in. Retrieved 19 June 2025.
- ↑ "Zouk Ventures Private Limited". Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Government of India. Retrieved 19 June 2025.